Herbie could join Kombi in 'emotional' EV line-up.

Volkswagen Beetle could go all-electric

Herbie could join Kombi in 'emotional' EV line-up.

Volkswagen Beetle could go all-electric

08 Nov 2017Stephen Ottley

Volkswagen is actively considering plans for an all-electric rear-wheel drive successor to today’s Beetle as part of a range of zero-emission models based on its new MEB (Modular Electric Baukasten platform), according to the German car maker’s chairman Herbert Diess.

The proposed new electric-powered Beetle, which would act as a sister model to the modern day Microbus presaged by the I.D. Buzz concept at the 2017 Detroit motor show, is one of a number of proposals that are planned to be put before Volkswagen board members when they meet to vote on ways to build on plans to extend the company’s initial range of electric powered models.

“The next decision on electric cars will be what kind of emotional concepts we need,” says Diess.

Quantifying what is meant by the term “emotional concepts”, Volkswagen’s 59-year-old chairman says it covers cars like the Microbus and Beetle as well as open top models such as the Kubelwagen and Buggy.

Diess denies any firm decisions on the successor to the Beetle have yet been made. However, he suggests any direct successor model would be electric.

“If we wanted to do a Beetle, electrically it would be much better than today’s model, much closer to history, because it could be rear-wheel drive,” he explains.

Diess says the MEB platform provides the perfect basis for what he describes as emotional concepts like the Beetle.

“We have a good chance on the electric side. You can do derivatives efficiently. We have a very flexible platform. We can do nice things: rear wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive.”

Diess’ reference to rear-wheel drive extends directly from the layout planned for Volkswagen’s first fully dedicated electric powered model due out in 2019. Previewed by the I.D. hatchback at the 2016 Paris motor show, it is set to feature a single electric motor developing 110kW and 226Nm of torque. Mounted within the rear axle assembly, it provides drive to the rear wheels.

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The rear mounted electric motor and rear-wheel drive layout of the I.D. hatchback mirrors that of the original Beetle introduced in 1939, which used a rear mounted boxer engine and rear-wheel drive. Its adoption on a modern day Beetle model could open up a number of packaging advantages not seen on today’s front-engined/front-wheel drive model, including a front luggage compartment similar to that of the original.

Volkswagen resurrected the Beetle as a modern day model in 1997 following positive reception to retro-inspired Concept One show car revealed at the 1994 Detroit motor show. The first generation modern-day model was produced at Volkswagen’s plant in Puebla, Mexico until 2010, when it was succeeded by a second-generation model that remains on sale today.

Diess confirmed to Drive that the MEB platform was already planned to support up to 15 new electric powered models with the Volkswagen Group, which includes the Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche brands.